Around 84 per cent of Bangladesh’s textile and readymade garment (RMG) factories under the purview of the Industrial Police resumed production on August 1 after the government allowed all export-oriented industries to operate amid the strict lockdown. At least four-fifths of garment workers reportedly returned to their workplaces on the day.
Trade union leaders, however, alleged that health and safety rules, especially maintaining social distancing inside the factories and hand washing with soap, were not fully followed. Wearing masks was the only criterion that was adhered to, they said.Around 84 per cent of Bangladesh's textile and readymade garment (RMG) factories under the purview of the Industrial Police resumed production on August 1 after the government allowed all export-oriented industries to operate amid the strict lockdown. At least four-fifths of garment workers reportedly returned to their workplaces on the day.#
No wage should be cut for the days when the factories remained closed due to the lockdown and no workers should be terminated if they fail to join work until August 5, media reports cited the leaders as demanding.
A total of 2,725 textile and RMG factories registered with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) are located in six industrial zones of Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Chattogram, Mymensingh and Khulna under the Industrial Police.
Out of those, 2,312 units opened on August 1 after Eid vacation while 463 textile and RMG factories remained closed.
Besides, 340 factories under Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) remained open on the say while nine remained closed.
There are a total of 8,226 manufacturing units, including those of textile and RMG, under the jurisdiction of the Industrial Police.
Soon after the announcement of the decision by the cabinet, thousands of workers rushed towards the major cities in over-packed trucks, pick-ups, buses, trains and steamers without paying any heed to COVID-19 protocols.
Expressing concern, healthcare experts have said the decision came at a time when the country has been witnessing an alarming surge of COVID-19 cases across the country.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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